31 December 1944 Part 14

Guidelines for the handling of ships employed for the civilian supply of the Channel Islands

Basic principle: no civilian and no member of the Wehrmacht, irrespective of rank, is to be able to make any contact with members of the crew.

1. Ships are piloted in by order of the harbour commandants, through the leaders of the Harbour Defence groups in Guernsey and Jersey.

2. The berth must be chosen so that either the whole pier—for example Victoria Pier in St Helier—or at least the immediate vicinity of the ship is cordoned off so completely that unauthorised access is impossible. Guards ashore and aboard are to ensure that no unauthorised person can board or leave the ship from the pier or waterside, or establish contact with members of the crew.

3. Before entering—while still in the roadstead—and before sailing, the ship is to be searched as thoroughly as possible with the assistance of soldiers familiar with ships. Persons aboard are to be checked against the muster rolls. Anyone not belonging to the crew, except the neutral commissioner and, where applicable, his staff, is to be reported immediately to the Naval Commandant.

4. The crew, except the commissioner and his staff—whose dealings with Wehrmacht and civilian offices are regulated and supervised by the Commander—is not permitted to leave the ship. Except for persons specially assigned, members of the Wehrmacht of all ranks and all civilians are likewise forbidden to enter the berth or the ship, or to have any dealings with the crew.

5. The cargo may be unloaded only by (a) the ship’s crew or (b) soldiers. Removal from the unloading area to the distribution points is to take place only after the cargo has been inspected, so that civilians cannot establish contact with the crew. In case (b), unloading is to be undertaken by suitable naval working parties composed of specially selected reliable men. If foreign labour must unavoidably be employed, each person is to be vetted—no convicted person or anyone known for anti-German conduct—and issued with a special pass to enter the berth. They are to be searched thoroughly on entering and leaving and kept under constant supervision while working, so that no contact with the crew occurs. Their employment requires the Naval Commandant’s approval.

6. The Marine Coastal Police, under the direction of the Hüst. officer [uncertain title], is charged with carrying out the foregoing duties and is to be provided with suitable soldiers as required. Unloading and storage are under the local Sea Transport Officer. All soldiers employed are to act firmly but tactfully and with restraint. They too are forbidden any contact with the crew unless strictly required for duty.

7. All incidents are to be reported immediately to the Naval Commandant’s A III staff section. In doubtful cases, the Naval Commandant’s decision is to be obtained.

[Signed] Hüffmeier, for the accuracy of the copy; [signed] König, Oberleutnant (MA).

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0170 — Annex 3 to the War Diary, 16–31 December 1944